Tag Archives: culture

Is It a Time for War or Peace?

In Ecclesiastes 3:1–8, King Solomon presents a series of fourteen contrasting seasons and events that together represent all human activity in its varied forms. Our lives contain a mixture of joy and sorrow, birth and death, harmony and conflict. Solomon resolves that God is in control of each moment. He has a good purpose forContinue reading “Is It a Time for War or Peace?”

Timeless Truths in a Modern World

The passages in Matthew 10:21-23 emphasize the challenges and costs of discipleship, resonating with both Old and New Testament narratives. In contemporary times, believers continue to face persecution and societal pressures. The call to prioritize loyalty to Christ challenges us to transcend partisan loyalties and embrace radical love and forgiveness. Reflecting on these timeless truths prompts us to reexamine our priorities and values, allowing us to deepen our commitment to Christ and embody His transformative love. Commentary insights by Albert Barnes and Matthew Henry emphasize the radical nature of Jesus’ teachings and the divine perspective on persecution and suffering. These insights challenge us to reexamine our understanding of discipleship and the cost of following Christ. The actionable statement derived from Matthew 10:21-23 calls believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in the sovereignty of God and the promise of salvation through Christ. By relying on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, believers can live victoriously, knowing that their ultimate hope and salvation are secured in Christ alone. The narrative in Matthew 10:21-23 underscores the spiritual and moral imperatives of trusting in Jesus’ power and presence in life’s tumultuous moments. It reminds us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ, and our faith in Him transcends any earthly ties or hardships we may encounter. Comparing Matthew 10:21-23 with the account of Jesus calming the storm provides unique insights into the broader context of spiritual warfare and the believer’s journey. Both narratives underscore the reality of spiritual opposition and the necessity of faith in overcoming adversity. Matthew 10:21-23 provides guidance and insight into contemporary challenges faced by believers, urging us to trust in divine providence and stand firm in our convictions. This scripture challenges believers to reevaluate their priorities and commitments in light of their allegiance to Christ. Embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by this passage, believers can experience spiritual growth and maturity as they learn to trust in God’s faithfulness and provision. In the contemporary church, the teachings of Matthew 10:21-23 serve as a timely reminder of the radical nature of Christian discipleship, calling believers to stand firm in their faith amidst societal pressures and challenges. As we reflect on the implications of Matthew 10:21-23, may this serve as a catalyst for personal transformation and a renewed commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly in every aspect of our lives

When Your Culture Makes You Sick

In 1955, Walter Lord published a book entitled A Night to Remember, in which he provided an account of the sinking of the ocean liner Titanic in the early morning hours of April 15, 1912. In 1958, Lord’s book was made into a movie with the same title, nearly 40 years before the blockbuster movieContinue reading “When Your Culture Makes You Sick”

What We Have Lost

Dawkins’ admiration for “cultural” Christianity is not new. What has changed is the dawning realization of how much we have lost. The Christian internet was set ablaze with comments from uber-atheist Professor Richard Dawkins on Easter Sunday. He said he considers himself a “cultural Christian” and that he values the traditions of the faith. ManyContinue reading “What We Have Lost”

Embracing Radical Love

The passage from Matthew 5:43-48 emphasizes the radical call for love and forgiveness towards enemies. It resonates with modern culture’s division and animosity, urging believers to embody Christ’s love. By actively practicing forgiveness and reconciliation, believers demonstrate the transformative power of love and contribute to healing in broken relationships and communities.

Words Aren’t What They Used to Be

Anyone who reads thoughtfully knows that words often change their meaning with time and context. Christians are a “peculiar people,” the KJV tells us, only “peculiar” did not mean in 1611 what it means today. Sometimes an older meaning of a word continues in a restricted sector of the culture, even though most people useContinue reading “Words Aren’t What They Used to Be”

The 7 Most Significant Religious Freedom Victories of 2018

From cable news to social media, streaming sites to the megaplex, popular culture can be a dark and depressing place. But amid the glut of bad, bleak, cynical, cheap, violent, and sexually exploitative content, there are some rays of light and diamonds in the rough. Yes, there’s plenty of bad stuff Christians should identify andContinue reading “The 7 Most Significant Religious Freedom Victories of 2018”

Wanting the Savior for All

Wanting the Savior for All Unless the urge to want the Savior for allpeople, wells up in our hearts, we are not true servants. Although we might know of God’s will toward love, toward mercy, toward forgiveness, we nevertheless fail to do his will because the love of God does not… View Post